Muktanand Swami, whom Bhagwan Swaminarayan always respected like a Guru, was born as Mukund Das in Amreli, Gujarat. His father was Anandram and his mother was Radhabai. Mukund Das learned scriptures and music from two teachers – Jaduram and Hathiram, both of whom were scholars in literature and fine arts. 

Mukund Das was very handsome had a beautiful voice. He was perfect blend of beauty as well as virtue. His life was that of an ideal disciple and he soon began his quest for God and left home in search of a true Guru. 

Later, he became a disciple of Ramanand Swami and soon become his prime disciple when Ramanand Swami appointed him to be head of Loj ashram. The saintliness of Muktanand Swami and his satisfactory answer to Neelkanth’s five questions was a major factor in Neelkanth’s decision to stay in Loj. 

After the passing of Ramanand Swami, Muktanand Swami was the most eligible to become the head of the fellowship, but, as per Ramanand Swami’s command, he remained a faithful servant of Bhagwan Swaminarayan for his entire life.

M.C. Parekh noted, “Swami Muktananda was a true Sadhu as we shall have ample opportunity to see later on, and in the absence of his master, he took care of this young stranger as only a parent could. It was some months before Swami Ramananda came, and during this time a kind of deep spiritual friendship, a sort of mutual reverence and looking upon each other as a Guru, sprang up between these two, which lasted for the next thirty years, to the end of their lives, and which forms one of the most beautiful chapters of the history of this fellowship. 

“Muktanand Swami fully possessed all of the saintly virtues. Indeed, was as though God had selected the best virtues of a saint and made Muktanand Swami around them! Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself mentioned, “It’s easy to make the soul of whole universe Satsangi, but it is quite difficult to make a saint like Muktanand Swami.” 

Evil people who came to kill Muktanand Swami showered him with praise after experiencing his saintly nature and personality. Such was his saintliness and fascinating personality that he could instantly calm a man who was burning with hate and fury.

He had an unflinchingly firm faith and high regard for Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He presented the doctrines and precepts of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in a lucid, graceful and matchless style so effectively that all the doubts of listeners were cleared. For this very reason he raised a large groups of satsangis in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Bharuch, Khambhat (Cambay), Umreth, Anand and Nadiad.

Muktanand Swami was an instrumentalist and a vocalist. Even though Muktanand Swami was senior to Bhagwan Swaminarayan by 23 years, he used to dance and sing in front of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to please Him. 

Bhagwan Swaminarayan gave him title “The mother of Satsang” because of his motherly love, tolerance and caring. Bhagwan Swaminarayan chose Muktanand Swami to represent the Swaminarayan Sampraday at a debate in Vadodara, even though there were more erudite saints then available. Despite this, Muktanand Swami defeated a few among the best scholars of India and successfully established the Vedic base of the holy fellowship and Bhagwan Swaminarayan as God incarnate.

He was one of the four saints who compiled Vachanamrut, the leading scripture of the holy fellowship. The aarti that is sung in all of Bhagwan Swaminarayan temples, ‘Jay Sadguru Swami’, was written by Muktanand Swami in the praise of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the village of Kalvani in 1802 AD. This aarti glorified the 21 year-old Bhagwan Swaminarayan as the Supreme Godhead.

Muktanand Swami composed many kirtans. The notable among them are compiled and published as Muktanand Kavya. Muktanand Swami also composed the great scripture named Brahm Sutra Bhashya in Sanskrit. He also wrote scriptures such as Panchratna, Vivekchintamani, Uddhav Gita,

Satsangshiromani, Satigeeta, Kapilgeeta, Narayangeeta and others. Mukund Bavani is a collection of his devotional poetry.

On the 12th day of the dark half of the month of Ashadh, Samvat 1787, only one-and-one-half months after Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s passing, Muktanand Swami departed from this world at Gadhada, aged 71 years.

A spiritually powered saint, Gopalanand Swami was born as Khushal Bhatt in the Todla Village of Sabarkantha District, Gujarat. His father was Motiram Sharma and his mother was Kushaladevi.

He went to Varanasi for further study. He pursued deep study and became a dedicated scholar, with knowledge of Vyakaran, Nyaya, Mimansa, Vedanta, Astrology and numerous other disciplines. After coming in contact with Bhagwan Swaminarayan, he desired to become a saint. Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself initiated him and gave name Gopalanand Swami. Bhagwan Swaminarayan always held Gopalanand Swami in very high regard and used to take his advice. However Gopalanand Swami behaved like servant.

Gopalanand Swami was a master of Ashtang Yoga as well as a great Nadi Vaidya (Ayurveda physician who identifies illness using the pulse).

In Samvat 1878 Fagan Sud 3, the installation of NarNarayan Dev in Ahmedabad was taking place. Gopalanand Swami was appointed to perform the ceremonial sacrifice; Bhagwan Swaminarayan said of him, “Gopalanand Swami can change a stone into a Dev.” Gopalanand Swami was such a stalwart saint of the holy fellowship that before departing for Akshardham, Bhagwan Swaminarayan left responsibility of the whole fellowship to Gopalanand Swami and instructed everyone to obey him.

Gopalanand Swami remained at the helm of the holy fellowship for 22 years after the departure of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his direction, the fellowship continued strengthening and spreading. He prepared guidelines so activities related to Deity, Acharya, Saints, Disciples and Scriptures happened as per the command of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. 

Gopalanand Swami was a great spiritual powered saint with an extraordinary and miraculous ability. Despite this, he used his skills solely in service to the holy fellowship and he himself remained humble and free of conceit. Nevertheless Gopalanand Swami not only garnered the respect of the leading Acharyas, saints and disciples, but also that of the most powerful people of Gujarat, such as Sayajirao Gaikwad, Ardeshar Kotwal and others.

Gopalanand Swami consecrated the idol of Kashtabhanjan Dev – Hanumanji – at Sarangpur, a village of Ahmedabad district, which stands today as the proof of the spiritual strength of Gopalanand Swami. This temple attracts millions of people of different faiths from all over the world every year.

In response to the invitation of Sir John Malcom, then Governor of Mumbai Province, Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan arrived at Rajkot on 26th February 1830. Bhagwan Swaminarayan had taken a seat in the assembly of the saints and disciples under a Ber tree. At that time, Gopalanand Swami happened to pass under this tree, and the thorns became stuck in his turban.

 Gopalanand Swami said, “Oh! Though you yourself came into direct contact with the Supreme God, you have not given up your nature!” On hearing these words, all the thorns of this Ber tree fell off. The tree became thornless and can be observed as such even today.

During his lifetime, Gopalanand Swami wrote nineteen books in Sanskrit and seven books in other languages. He wrote a commentary on the Bhagvad Gita, Shrimad Bhagvad and Ishavashyopanishada in Sanskrit on the basis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s philosophy.

He was one of the four saints who compiled Vachanamrut, the leading scripture of the holy fellowship. His discourse was compiled in a book called ‘Gopalanand Swami Ni Vato’ (Tales of wisdom), which reveals the glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and moral tales filled with wit and wisdom. This book provides an important aid in the realization of God to souls desiring salvation.

Gopalanand Swami left his body on May 11, 1852 (Vaishak vad 4, Samvat 1908) at Vadtal with yogic power. He was 71 years of age. In order to commemorate this great saint, a marble monument has been set up at the spot of his cremation at the holy land of Gnan Baug in Vadtal.

Brahmanand Swami was born as Ladudan Barot on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami in the village of Khan, near Mount Abu in Rajasthan. His father was Shambhudanji and his mother was Laluba.

Once, Ladudan went to the local King’s palace and sang a few poems in praise of the King and his virtues. Seeing the poetic genius of the young Ladudan, the King asked Shambhudan Gadhavi to allow Ladudan to be taught Pingal (art of constructing poetry) at the royal expense. 

Thus, Ladudanji was sent to Bhuj, where he learned Pingal and other scriptures until the age of 28. By the completion of his education, he had become erudite in poetry and other skills.

He then became a very famous poet and soon became highly respected by the great kings. Ladudan earned fame and wealth by visiting the stately courts of Bhuj, Dhangadhra, Jamnagar, Junagadh and Bhavnagar; all of them were highly impressed by his poetry. Everyone invited him to become their main bard with great perks and benefits.

Ladudanji lived a royal and majestic lifestyle. He was always adorned with jewelry befitting kings. However, after coming into contact with Bhagwan Swaminarayan, he renounced everything and became a saint. 

Even after his renunciation, the King of Vadodara offered him the opportunity to become the main bard with quite extravagant benefits, but he expressly refused. Brahmanand Swami, whose whole body was once covered in exquisite ornaments, now wore clothes made from jute, the rough material from which sacks were made, and lived a simple, ascetic lifestyle. This remarkable transformation was due to nothing more than Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s command.

Munibawa was a highly influential head of a religious organization and was considered to be the God of Surat; however, he was strictly against the Swaminarayan religion. Brahmanand Swami went to study Sanskrit in Surat, and, captivated by his personality, Munibawa agreed to meet Bhagwan Swaminarayan and later became His disciple.

Brahmanand Swami was a versatile genius. Apart from music and poetry, he was a master in sculpture and architecture. The magnificent temples of Vadtal, Junagadh and Muli were constructed under his guidance and supervision.
Once, Bhagwan Swaminarayan asked a group of saints what their specialty was. 

On his turn, Brahmanand Swami mentioned that when he composed a kirtan, he didn’t need to find words. He could choose any word at ease! Due to this extraordinary capability, Brahmanand Swami was able to instantaneously make kirtans, and composed more than 12,000 over his lifetime. A few among them are compiled and published as Brahmanand Kavya, a copy of which is preserved in the British Museum in London.

Brahmanand Swami was at one time constructing a temple in Junagadh. At that time, Junagadh was ruled by Nawab Hamid Khan. Once, a poet from Lucknow came in the court and challenged the main bard of Nawab. In those days, such competition was a typical event. It was a matter of great concern for the main bard because losing meant not only humiliation, but also loss of the post as main bard. 

However, he came to know that Brahmanand Swami, a great versatile saint of Bhagwan Swaminarayan was in Junagadh. He immediately came to meet him at the construction site of the temple and made a heartfelt request for help to Brahmanand Swami. Brahmanand Swami told him not to worry. 

He then immediately composed a song, which used only letters, which did not require the meeting of the two lips when uttered. Examples include a, d, k, r and such others in English. Then Brahmanand Swami instructed the main bard of Junagadh to challenge the poet of Lucknow to sing a song while keeping a needle between his two lips. 

When he failed the main bard should sing the song Brahmanand Swami wrote while doing the same. The main bard of Junagadh did exactly that same and won the competition. Later, the main bard of Junagadh joined the holy fellowship.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan promised that if recited 100 of Brahmanand Swami’s kirtans daily with ardent devotion, He would give His darshan to that a devotee.

Brahmanand Swami also had a very good sense of humor and amused Bhagwan Swaminarayan with his wit whenever possible. Because of his devotion and love for Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Brahmanand Swami was widely known as the dear friend of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. 

His friendship was not a mere acquaintance; his friendship with Bhagwan Swaminarayan had imbued him with God-like qualities. One such incident was that with just one touch he made the Nawab of Junaghadh’s aroused horse free of sensual desires to such an extent that it could never be used as a stud.

Such was his deep love for Bhagwan Swaminarayan that when Bhagwan Swaminarayan decided to depart from the world, He ordered Brahmanand Swami to go to Junagadh because Bhagwan Swaminarayan knew that Brahmanand Swami had the power to bring him back to earth if He left His physical body in his presence! Brahmanand Swami departed from this world in Muli temple on the tenth day of the bright half of Jyeshta in Samvat Year 1888, exactly two years after Bhagwan Swaminarayan left this world. He lived for 60 years, 5 months and 5 days.

H.G. Briggs noted, “Brahmanand , one of the early coadjutors and bossom friend of the Reformer, he was a Hindu-classic scholar of no ordinary ability, of singularly mild deportment, and a benevolence of despotism and character rarely met, he was a poet too and his songs and allegries are still recited with enthusiasm”

Nityanand Swami, the greatest scholar of holy fellowship, was born as Dinmani Sharma in Dantia, a town near Lucknow. He was born into a very rich Brahmin family. His father was Vishnu Sharma and his mother was named Virjadevi. 

For his education, he went Banaras to learn and acquire knowledge from Jagjit Pandit. He had studied several scriptures like the Vedas, Vedanta, Nyay etc. and became a very learned scholar.

He had a desire of meeting God, so he left home in the search of God. When he first met Bhagwan Swaminarayan, he was convinced that He could be anyone but God Himself by just seeing His teeth. Bhagwan Swaminarayan initiated him as a saint and named him Nityanand Swami in Meghpur in 1802 AD.

Even though he was born in a rich and aristocratic family, Nityanand Swami lived a life of detachment and modesty. On one occasion, Bhagwan Swaminarayan told a group of saints who studied under Nityanand Swami, “Nityanand Swami’s destiny is like that of multimillionaire; despite this, he is living a simple life, full of austerity. He is helping you in study, so consider yourself fortunate and hold him in highest esteem.”

On the basis of Vedic scriptures, Nityanand Swami upheld the new Swaminarayan movement. When a section on Upasana in the scripture Satsangi Jivan was to be written, Nityanand Swami insisted that Bhagwan Swaminarayan must be described as the Supreme Godhead. 

To test his belief, Bhagwan Swaminarayan excommunicated him, but for seven days, Nityanand Swami remained steadfast in his belief. Later, Bhagwan Swaminarayan garlanded him and praised him in the whole assembly and appreciated his understanding.

Once, Bhagwan Swaminarayan asked a group of saints their specialty was. At his turn, Nityanand Swami stated that that by His grace, there is nobody in the world that could win a debate against him regarding the Godliness of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Vedic base of the holy fellowship! Even Bhagwan Swaminarayan used to hear discourse from Nityanand Swami on scriptures was his specialty! 

Through his life, Nityanand Swami contributed immensely to winning debates over Bhagwan Swaminarayan as an incarnation and the Vedic base of the holy fellowship.

One time, the 56-item-food festival was arranged by the Vallabh fellowship in Ahmedabad in Vikram Samvat 1886. On that occasion, more than 50 scholars of the Vallabh fellowship were gathered to malign the Swaminarayan fellowship. Nityanand Swami participated in the religious debate. 

By his sharpwitted arguments, he proved that the Swaminarayan fellowship is a pure Vaishnav fellowship. The scholars who opposed him through jealousy were defeated. On another occasion, by holding discussions with Shankaracharya in Chhoti Kashi (Umreth), he established the Vedic approval and popular acceptance of the Swaminarayan religion. 

He defeated the scholars in the royal court of Gaikwad II in Vadodara in discussions on Vedic scriptures. Nityanand Swami also won a debate in Junagadh. Nityanand Swami was one of the four saints who compiled Vachanamrut, the leading scripture of the holy fellowship. Also, as per Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s wish, Nityanand Swami composed Hari Digvijay. 

This scripture describes and proves that Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the Almighty Supreme Godhead through numerous discussions and debates and scripture consists of 49 chapters. In addition, Nityanand Swami wrote several other scriptures like Shree Harikavach and others. He also translated the original Shikshapatri from Sanskrit to Gujarati.

After serving the divine fellowship for 54 years, Nityanand Swami left his mortal body at the age of 76 years, in Samvat Year 1908 at Vadtal. In order to commemorate this great saint, a marble monument was set up at the spot of his cremation at Gnan Baug, Vadtal.

Nishkulanand Swami was born as Lalji Suthar in the village of Shekhapat, Gujarat. His father was named Rambhai and his mother was named Amrutbai.

He grew up to become an expert carpenter. He was a disciple of Ramanand Swami before he met Bhagwan Swaminarayan and was married and had two children. Despite this, he still lived the life of an ascetic even before becoming a saint. 

He and Mulji Sharma (later Gunatitanand Swami), would meet regularly and have Satsang at night after finishing their day’s work, despite living in two separate villages.
Before his departure, Ramanand Swami commanded Lalji Suthar to remain a disciple of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Lalji Suthar fulfilled this and became Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s ideal disciple.

Once, Bhagwan Swaminarayan had to go to Kutch and He asked Lalji Suthar to be His guide. Bhagwan Swaminarayan wanted to stress the importance of reliance on God rather than on one’s own ego. The entire tale is fascinating but of particular note is that during their journey, in the village of Adhoi, Bhagwan Swaminarayan initiated him as a saint, named him Nishkulanand Swami, and asked him to beg bhiksha (alms) from his wife, all of which he devotedly obliged to.

In the same village, as per Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s command, Nishkulanand Swami wrote the first scripture of the holy fellowship called Yamdand in 1904 AD, which describes the pains and sufferings of a sinful person after death in hell. Bhagwan Swaminarayan is hailed as Supreme Godhead in the ‘Yamdand.’

Nishkulanand Swami’s most prominent scripture is Bhaktachintamani, in which he describes the life-long activities of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in a poetic form and is written with great attention to detail and utmost devotion. It is one of the most authentic biographies of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as most of it was written in His very presence. 

Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself used to proofread the work in a small room, that still present in Laxmi Vadi, Gadhada.
Nishkulanand Swami also composed twenty-two other very impressive scriptures on various subjects which are compiled as Nishkulanand Kavya.

Many scholars have obtained their doctorate in studies over them. Nishkulanand Swami’s non-attachment was of superior quality. Once, Bhagwan Swaminarayan was considering giving the headship of Gadhada Temple to Nishkulanand Swami. Nishkulanand Swami came to know about this and as he had no likings for such a prestigious post, he woke up early morning and went away to a nearby village. Soon after, Bhagwan Swaminarayan changed His plan and called him back.

When Bhagwan wished to leave the world, He informed Nishkulanand Swami three days in advance, and asked him to prepare a palanquin for His bier.

Nishkulanand Swami prepared it that night. When Bhagwan left His human body, all the saints asked Nishkulanand Swami to prepare a palanquin. He said, “It is ready” and brought it out. The saints asked him, “When Bhagwan was alive, how did you know to prepare it?” He replied, “I am a heavy-hearted, obedient servant. I must obey every command of the master.”

Nishkulanand Swami strengthened the heritage of the holy fellowship with his art and religious literature. The swing with the twelve doors which one can still see in Vadtal and the most artistic wooden thresholds in the inner temple of Dholera are a few of the treasures from his art. 

In Gadhapur he displayed his art in the Diwali celebrations by presenting artistic plants and trees decorated with kindling lights and a beautifully lighted canopy to cover the beautiful seat of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Nishkulanand Swami also used to create a podium for Bhagwan Swaminarayan in big celebrations. Because of his natural liking for non-attachment, Nishkulanand Swami spent most of his time in Dholera after the departure of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Dholera was drought-prone region and was under developed, so it is very difficult to live there and few people choose to do so.

A British Officer of high rank wanted to meet Nishkulanand Swami after he was very impressed hearing one of his kirtans. He came to Dholera and saw Nishkulanand Swami working at the age of eighty, while covered in white stone dust. The officer was very pleased in seeing such a remarkable personality that was doing such menial task with such devotion.

This stalwart saint of the holy fellowship departed from earth at the age of 82 in Dholera temple in Samvat Year 1903.

Shukanand Swami was born as Jagannath in the village of Dabhan near Nadiad in Gujarat, in a Brahmin family. From his childhood he was detached from the material world and did not seek worldly pleasures, but was more interested in scriptures. He was bright, with sharp intellect from a very early age.

When he met Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Gadhada, he wanted to become a sadhu and was given initiation. Muktanand Swami then named him Shukanand Swami.

Shukanand Swami was referred to as the personal secretary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Whenever Bhagwan Swaminarayan had something to write, he would call upon Shukanand Swami and dictate it to him. 

Bhagwan Swaminarayan also asked him to compose scriptures for the holy fellowship. His love for the Bhagwan Swaminarayan is evident in the many hymns that he composed.

He prepared the original drafts of Vachanamrut and wrote treatise on Satsangi Jivan and translated a number of volumes into Gujarati. He also compiled drafts pertaining to the administration of the Sampraday – i.e. ‘Desh Vibhag no Lekh.’ He also dealt with all of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s correspondences. In light of this, Bhagwan Swaminarayan often referred to him as His “right arm.” 

Hence, he earned his reputation as Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s personal secretary. His handwriting was impeccable and his knowledge of Gujarati and Sanskrit languages is clearly evident in his works. He wrote fourteen scriptures, seven in Sanskrit and nine in Gujarati.

Once, Shukanand Swami stayed up all night writing in the veranda in front of the Akshar Ordi. He had written fourteen pages by the time Bhagwan Swaminarayan came out of His room in the morning. Bhagwan Swaminarayan took Shukanand Swami’s work in His hands and suddenly tore it in half and threw it into the courtyard. Shukanand Swami, however, did not utter a word in protest. 

Nityanand Swami later questioned Shukanand Swami, “Weren’t you upset that Maharaj tore up a whole night’s work without even looking at it?”

Shukanand Swami replied without thinking twice. “I wrote it to please Maharaj,” he said. “If tearing it up pleased Him, then so be it.” Shukanand Swami thus never allowed his feelings get in the way of his Bhakti towards Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan once said, “This Shukanand Swami is a very great sadhu. From the day he began staying with Me, his enthusiasm has been never diminished; in fact, it has been ever increasing. Thus, he is like Muktanand Swami.” (Vachanamrut, Kariyani 3)

After Bhagwan Swaminarayan passed away, Shukanand Swami travelled from village to village to spread the Satsang. Still, he dearly missed Bhagwan Swaminarayan. During his travels, due to his zeal for renunciation and detachment, he would often pray that he be blessed with illness of fever. The reason for this was that his body would become weak, helping him avoid the pleasures of the senses. Bhagwan Swaminarayan answered his prayers. Thus, Shukanand Swami would serve the Satsang during the day and would get fever at night. This routine continued for twelve years. 

He departed from the world at the age of 70 years in Vadtal on Samvat Year 1925.

Premanand Swami was born to Hindu parents but his parents abandoned him at a young age then he was raised by a Muslim family. 

At the age of twelve, first time he came for the darshan of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Gadhada. He sang very good songs hearing it Bhagwan Swaminarayan was very happy and remarked, “This boy is very good!” Saints said, “He was raised in Muslim family”, Bhagwan Swaminarayan said, “It’s value of flower that counts not where he was raised!” 

Bhagwan Swaminarayan initiated him as saint and later became His first-rank saint Premanand Swami!

When given initiation, he was named Nijbodhanand Swami. His name was later changed to Premanand, due to his extreme devotional love; Bhagwan Swaminarayan praised Premanand Swami as an idol of love and often referred to him as “Premsakhi.”

 Premanand Swami was known for his poetic and musical talent. While singing, he would become deeply engrossed and would make the whole atmosphere devout and full of affection towards Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

His singing could change the evening atmosphere into that of early morning. Once, Hamid Khan, the Nawab of Junagadh and connoisseur of music, rebuked his court master singer, “First listen to the kirtans of Swaminarayan’s fakir Premanand, then sing before me; his music comes from the soul.”

Many a times Premanand Swami sang kirtans remembering Bhagwan Swaminarayan, till very late night in his hut, near bank of Ghela River. Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself stood outside his hut for hours listening to the kirtans. Such was his extreme devotion towards Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Himself had such loving attraction to Premanand Swami’s devotion.

Premanand Swami was a born poet. His kirtans are so effective and impressive that listening inclines one toward deep love of God. Premanand Swami also composed more than 10,000 kirtans and a few among them are compiled and published as Premanand Kavya.

The great Poet Nanalal remarked, “The kirtans by Brahmanand and Premanand shine equally brilliantly when compared to those composed by their contemporaries.”

As referenced in Vachanamrut Gadhada II. 48 that in the assembly Premanand Swami sang the kirtan ‘Vandu Sahajanand Ras Rup, Anupam Sar-Ne Re Lol…’ hearing which, Bhagwan Swaminarayan was very much pleased and commented, “The kirtans you sang were very wonderful. 

After listening to them I thought in My mind since this sadhu thinks about Bhagwan in this way, let Me get up and prostrate before him. A person who is able to visualize God in this manner has accomplished everything and has nothing more left to achieve.”

Premanand Swami also had composed “Nitya Chesta” which is sung and recited daily at all Swaminarayan temples in which he minutely described the form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, His activities, and many other attributes. On this and such other works, M.C. Parekh has commented:

“The very act of eating and drinking of Swami Sahajanand, the way he walked, the way he rode, his manner of speaking, in fact everything relating to him has been described so closely and fully that it would be difficult to find a parallel to it in any literature, religious or secular. 

His disciples believed fully that their Master was divine, and hence to them his person and everything that he did and said were divine. In their eyes the entire universe was centred in him, and everything relating to him was of the very essence of life and life eternal.” 

At the age of 71, Premanand Swami left this world at Gadhada in Samvat Year 1911. K.M. Munshi, a great versatile personality, freedom fighter and foremost writer in Gujarati literature has complimented Premanand Swami, saying, “After the medieval era of Mirabai and Narsinh Mehta, if there is any such devotion flowing in the poem after them then, it is in the poems of Premanand Swami.”